DSW Ventures

DSW Ventures is a Manchester-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2018, operating as the trading style of DSW Angels LLP, part of DSW Capital plc. Founded by David Smith and Keith Benson — with Doug Quinn adding life sciences expertise in 2023 and Chris Yeowart joining as partner in June 2025 — the firm exists to fill the funding gap for regional UK startups outside London. The firm is backed by British Business Investments (part of the £100 million Regional Angels Programme), family offices, and a network of more than 200 high-net-worth angel investors, with the DSW team contributing 20% to each investment. DSW has facilitated £24 million in venture funding across 29 investments, writing checks of £100,000 to £3 million into SEIS/EIS-qualifying businesses from pre-revenue through early Series A. Focus sectors include software, healthtech, life sciences, deep tech, and fintech. Portfolio companies include The Insights Family (£5.6 million Series A), InvenireX (£500,000 pre-seed, later $2.63 million seed), RoxFit (£800,000 pre-seed led by DSW in May 2025), 4D Biomaterials, Aston Particle Technologies, Propello Cloud, MesenBio, and Hike SEO. Geographic focus is exclusively regional UK businesses, distinguishing DSW from London-centric funds and making it one of the most active early-stage investors in the North of England and broader UK regions. The firm operates across the country through DSW Capital's regional office network, giving it deal flow from academic spin-outs, local accelerators, and entrepreneur communities that larger funds rarely access.